Alibaba - Rangiroa

Alibaba, tucked inside Rangiroa's Tiputa Pass, is one of our absolute favourites for a reason. You'll drop into the blue, holding a line, watching the grey reef sharks cruise the channel entrance. It's a deep blue scene before you even hit the reef. Then, the real fun begins as you peel off and let the incoming current pull you into the "Ali Baba Canyon." This isn't your average drift. We love how the canyon walls provide shelter from the main rush, letting you slow down and really absorb the details. Look for the big schools of fusiliers, the snapper, and the occasional grouper sheltering in the crevices. Keep an eye out for humphead wrasse, they’re often around, and the moray eels are always out and about. We’ve even seen a tiger shark on a lucky day, though that's a rare treat. The maximum depth of 28 metres means it's accessible for most, but the current can be strong, so you need to be comfortable with drift diving. Alibaba is a thrilling dive, perfect for those who enjoy dynamic drift dives and want to experience Rangiroa's shark action up close without being swept away.

Location
Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-16.085600, -145.711200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Marine Protected Area: Atoll de Fakarava

Best Time to Dive in Rangiroa

The warmest water temperatures in Rangiroa occur in April, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.7°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 29.2°C
  • May: 28.7°C
  • June: 28.0°C
  • July: 27.3°C
  • August: 26.8°C
  • September: 26.8°C
  • October: 27.3°C
  • November: 28.1°C
  • December: 28.4°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Rangiroa

Nearest Dive Centres to Alibaba

Marine Life in Rangiroa

Home to 153 recorded species including 129 reef fish, 6 sea cucumbers, 5 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Alibaba

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Alibaba dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Alibaba dive site is 28 meters. This exciting drift dive takes you through the Fakarava north channel, offering a unique experience as you explore the vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at the Alibaba dive site?
Divers at the Alibaba dive site can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, including grey reef sharks, white tip lagoon sharks, snappers, and groupers within the life-rich "ali baba canyon." Occasionally, lucky divers might also spot a great hammer-head shark, tiger shark, or manta ray. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Alibaba dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Alibaba dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to it being a drift dive in the Fakarava north channel, which requires navigating incoming currents. Divers should have experience with drift diving and managing currents to safely enjoy this site.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at the Alibaba dive site for optimal conditions?
For optimal conditions at the Alibaba dive site, it is crucial to dive during incoming current only, as this is a drift dive into the Fakarava north channel. While specific times of year are not provided in the data, local dive operators will have the most up-to-date information on current conditions. You can learn more about general diving seasons on our when to dive page.
What diving certifications are required or highly recommended for the Alibaba dive site?
While specific certifications are not explicitly stated for the Alibaba dive site, its intermediate difficulty and nature as a drift dive suggest that divers should at least be Advanced Open Water certified or have significant experience with drift diving and strong currents. Always consult with local dive centers for their specific requirements and recommendations. Ensuring you have appropriate equipment for drift diving is also advisable.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Alibaba dive site?
The Alibaba dive site is characterized by strong incoming currents, making it an exciting drift dive through the Fakarava north channel. Divers will experience these currents as they move towards the lagoon, often hiding in the "ali baba canyon." The average visibility at this site is excellent, typically around 29 meters.